Paul Maurice takes a shot at his own player Matthew Tkachuk ahead of Game 3!

The Stanley Cup Final debut for Florida Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk hasn’t gone has planned. Tkachuk has been issued three misconducts, including two on Monday night during Florida’s 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Golden Knights in Vegas.

When asked about his top forward’s performance ahead of Game 3 in Florida on Thursday, head coach Paul Maurice couldn’t help but joke about his player while sending him a clear message. A reporter asked the head coach if Tkachuk needs to give more in Game 3, to which Maurice replied:

“Like, more misconducts? I think he’s got that covered.”

While Maurice keeps the pressers quite light and almost comedy-oriented since the start of the postseason, he informed fans and pundits that he’s picked who will be the starting goalie to face the Golden Knights on Thursday and confirmed that Sergei Bobrovsky will be in between the pipes. He also had good words for Tkachuk in that statement.

“Bob was very good in Game 1. Bob was as good as our team was in Game 2. 48 hours prior, you guys are asking how Bob and Tkachuk can split the Conn Smythe.”

Maurice also confirmed that defenseman Radko Gudas, who was missing from practice earlier today is expected to play tomorrow night.

As for Tkachuk, he probably knows there is often truth to every joke and better get back to creating some offense instead of racking up penalties if he wants the Panthers to claw their way back into the Stanley Cup Final.

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